There is a daily fight in this country between liberals and conservatives concerning the political bias in journalism in this country. It has become so pronounced that many people have to get their news from multiple sources in order to have some sense of balance in their information. You would never guess, though, that this fight would boil over to golf reporting. But, sadly, it has.
It's at this point that I need you to do a little work so you can see what I mean. An anonymous commentary written by people at Titleist that calls out Orlando Sentinel golf writer Steve Elling for his supposed bias in his recent reporting. Once you're done with that, then come back here. I'll be waiting.
If you are an avid golf fan, or reader of this column, then you know that there is a growing sentiment among golfers, fans, and journalists that golf club and ball technology is hurting the game. The style of the game has changed and many fans don't like it.
You can see the results in the smaller Nielsen numbers for televised golf. The evidence is in the decline of rounds played by amateurs in recent years. Oh yeah, don't forget that the PGA Tour had to revamp its schedule in a ploy to get more attention.
It does not take a very keen set of eyes to notice that the game is fizzling. Further, it is only too convenient that the decline in rounds played and fan-base has occurred at a time when there has never been greater technology to allow professionals to hit the ball further than ever. Journalists have put two and two together and yelled "fore" about the bad direction that the game is going because of uncurbed technology. (This serious column needed some terrible humor.)
As it turns out, I am not the only one calling it as I see it. Other golf writers — who I have great respect for — are also calling for stronger regulation of golf technology now before the game gets out of control. Apparently, the golf equipment companies have been taking notice and they feel they are being gipped. Now, they're fighting back — anonymously.
Titleist and all other equipment manufacturers are entitled to their opinion. They are allowed to believe that their technology is not hurting the game that I love. But, the truth — as unbiased as it gets — is that technology has gotten past the point of helping the game of golf. I say it, and Jack Nicklaus says it. Players and critics alike are vocal about this subject. Basically, we're not making this stuff up for profit, or a story, or any other ulterior motive. Hell, I don't even get paid to do this!
Interestingly enough, though, equipment manufacturers are making money hand over fist because of their constant drive to make the ball go further. They have a vested stake in the evolution of the golf ball and the golf club.
If the USGA and R&A introduce stricter rules for technology, then corporate profits will suffer. If people learn that the average score for an amateur has actually gotten worse in the past 10 years, despite technological advances, then it is the golf club companies that will be hurting. If people start believing the things that I and others are writing about technology, then Acushnet's stock price will fall. (Actually, it's Fortune Brands.)
Titleist and it cohorts have to fight for their profits, and journalists are an easy target. And we deserve it. Really, the scapegoat had to be journalists who have been conspiring to stick it to the golf industry for years. We just needed an opportunity and a reason to strike. Technology is a perfect reason to be critical. After all, it is our job and our passion to be skeptical, cynical, and critical of everything in the golf world. In all actuality, the only thing that journalists are doing to fuel the fire over this debate is to put the opinions of many others on paper for others to read. It just so happens that most journalists agree with those opinions.
The craziest part of this entire situation is that this Titleist commentary has no author attached to it. I cannot wag my finger at any one person in the company. But every time that Steve Elling, or Ron Sirak, or I write something, we put our name on it. We stand behind what we write and can be held accountable for our beliefs, our facts, and our style. Meanwhile, Titleist can hide behind their corporate name, their billions of dollars, and long-standing reputation.
Rather than entering into a genuine discussion about the future place of technology in the game, Titleist has decided to take the coward's route and complain. If the golf industry feels so strongly for their cause, then they can and should defend it to the death. Prove to me why golf technology is not hurting the game and I'll concede the point. Hell, I will gladly offer space in this column, on my show, and anywhere I can so that you can convince me and the public of your beliefs. Until then, Titleist is just taking potshots from afar.
Basically, Titleist is just as biased as I can be. Their bias is profit. My bias is love for a pure and good game. Who are you going to believe?
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